MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – A spirit of shared commitment to educational equality echoed through the halls of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Friday (December 29) as Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Afghan students receiving scholarships from both the Indonesian government and Muhammadiyah.
The meeting served as a platform for monitoring the progress of the scholarship program, driven by a common vision: ensuring equitable access to education, particularly for women. Muhammadiyah, renowned for its dedication to empowering women through education, found a strong ally in the Indonesian government’s efforts to promote gender equality in this crucial domain.
Addressing the Afghan students, Retno emphasized the transformative power of education. “Education is the key that unlocks not only individual potential but also the future of a nation. For women, it is the passport to a brighter tomorrow,” said Retno.
Her words resonated with the scholarship program’s core principles. This initiative, rooted in the values of Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian government’s commitment to women’s rights, peace, and security, transcends national borders, extending a helping hand to those seeking knowledge and opportunity.
Beyond Indonesia’s borders, Retno spoke of the nation’s active role in advocating for women’s inclusion in global peacebuilding efforts. This proactive stance, she explained, stems from a deep conviction that investing in women is investing in a brighter future for all.
UMY Vice Rector for International and Cooperation Affairs, Prof. Achmad Nurmandi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the program’s alignment with Muhammadiyah’s core principle of rahmatan lil ‘alamin, meaning “mercy to the whole world.”
“We are committed to promoting this principle,” Nurmandi affirmed, “by applying Islamic values and Muhammadiyah’s guiding principles to the world, including the field of education.”
He elaborated on the organization’s efforts to attract students from various countries, including Afghanistan, Palestine, and across Africa, to pursue their academic aspirations in one of the 172 Muhammadiyah universities scattered throughout Indonesia.
As the meeting concluded, it left behind a sense of shared purpose and unwavering commitment to empowering women through education. The scholarship program, a testament to the collaborative spirit of Indonesia and Muhammadiyah, stands as a beacon of hope for Afghan women, offering them the chance to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
